Request for feedback on audition
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w6SnNgPeU8YvyPoDehprYULFfmISRI4A/view?usp=sharing
I would appreciate feedback on this sample to assist me improve my recordings (I am using Audacity). This particular recording was rejected due to white noise. My recording studio is fully insulated with audio standard foam. I have a pop filter. My computer is located in another room. I am using a Rode N1 Mic, with M audio interface and I have a mic shield.
The process I have been using when I do my recording is as follows:
I am recording a segment of room tone prior to speaking.
- I select room tone, click noise reduction, get profile, then select complete file and run noise reduction twice. My settings on my noise reduction are 12DB Noise reduction, sensitivity 6 and frequency smoothing bands 3.
- I have also started using a Noise Gate plug in and the settings for this are: Gate frequencies above 0, level reduction -12DB gate threshold – 43.60 DB, Attack delay 178 ms.
When I did the recording I could not hear the white noise, it was only when I had my volume up to the max I could hear it, I am using Audio Technica headphones.
I have watched this video and it was helpful. I have removed both my cell phone and landline phone from the studio and am going to review other factors mentioned in this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy5pM8nA53Q&feature=youtu.be
I have adjusted my gain on my interface slightly, this is how my recording is now sounding, normalized to -0.3mb. Is this better?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cmKsJzUuryvAL9GFTPGimq58k05eXbfJ/view?usp=sharing
Any other suggestions that could help improve my recording please?
Suzi
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Hi Suzi
I am listening to the file and there's a very high level of room echo and hiss on your recording. You can even listen to a computer's fan in the background. I believe the space you're recording in is not ideal for professional recording. Another hint that shows the issue is coming from the inadequate acoustic treatment of the space is that your voice sounds very sibilant, quite nasal and metallic. These characteristics are usually boosted or caused by the extra unnecessary reflections from the surfaces you have near you.
I highly suggest you review how you're recording in your space. Keep in mind that windows, glass walls or mirrors, plywood, some types of wood, plastic and metal are very reflective materials so it's not recommended to record near these type of surfaces.
We have 2 articles regarding acoustic treatment that I suggest you check out. First is our webinar on Acoustics. Here we explained what you need to know around how acoustics work and gave you some solutions for your acoustic problems. The second one is in regards to easy and cheap acoustic treatment options you can try to help your space. We recommend you try them before you spend in a much more expensive material and/or booth building to ensure you're treating your space appropriately.
Hope this helps!
Hi Angela.
Thanks for the feedback. I have looked at your suggested webinar on acoustics. I am recording in a small closet, with no windows or mirrors, I have acoustic quality foam all over the walls and ceiling, My mic is on carpet and I am using a reflective shield. I do have a wooden door and a metal safe in the room I am in so I will hang some clothes/fabric in front of these and pad the wall behind my computer with acoustic foam to deaden the computer fan.
Could it be my voice is naturally sibilant, nasally - if so I guess that is what I am stuck with, unless you have any suggestions I could do to improve this please?
So is there still a lot of hiss on the test sample I included in my post, as I changed the gain for this one - is it better than the audition I submitted?
Best wishes
Suzi
Hello Angela
I have insulated all my plastic, wood and metal that is in my recording studio and also put acoustic standard foam at the back of my computer that is in a separate room, could you please advise if this has made a difference.
I also slightly changed my gain. This is a recording now with all this done.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YUwgP-8Q2kevH9fxeECV6NCn0zqdXoID/view?usp=sharing
I would appreciate your feedback please.
Best wishes
Suzi
Hi Soo
This recording sounds much better. However, I feel it's a bit filtered in some areas, are you using any processing?
Also, at the end, you can listen to you moving and your mouse clicks. Is you microphone in the same area as your computer?
Hello
Thanks for the feedback, appreciated. My keyboard and mouse are in the same room as my mic. Will watch for those noises.
If I remember rightly I just recorded a test to check the white noise level didn't actually do any editing to the file, so that is possibly why these noises were heard. I had swathed my room in continental quilts, but then read not to use fabric that has polyester in as this is plastic based, So have now used felt and wool blankets.
I have decided to get some coach training for my nasal/sibilant tones, once I have done this would you be prepared to give me feedback and see if I have improved please?
Best wishes
Soo
Hi Soo
Thanks for letting me know! I do believe that's a great solution. Hope it helps your acoustics overall!
Also, we would be glad to review your improvement. We're here for you anytime you need and would be glad to listen to your recordings.
Thank you for your support Angela. Despite my rejections from your site, I do feel I have grown and learnt as a consequence. It is so fantastic to actually get feed back, other pay and play sites don't do that. Keep up the good work please!
Thank YOU, Soo! Your words are really encouraging! We want to help as much as we can so please feel free to come here anytime. We'll do our best to help you elevate your talent as much as we can!